BF3 issues on GTX 295

[Mustangdjp]

Ok guys, I need some help

I finally got a new PSU for my old PC, so I am up and running for some BF3 PC action (been playing on Xbox). It's a dated system, but I have read tons of sites online that claim I should be able to do a lot better than 20-25 FPS. So I need some help with the settings or something, because now when I first loaded BF3, it auto-recommended all High Settings with 4X AA. It ran at these settings at 1080p at 25FPS. I lowered settings to ALL low, everything that could be turned off, and STILL got 25 FPS...never touched 30FPS, so I don't think it's VSync. Is there some setting in the NVidia Control Panel (I also have all the NVidia tools) that I should change? I know there may be issues with the dual GPU part or something. Online I have read my GPU should be able to handle at least 40-50 FPS on High with no AA. Specs Below, remember its dated, but I got no cash for an upgrade. I have not tried OCing anything, but cooling may be an issue, so I would prefer not to.

AMD Athlon X2 5600+ (2.8GHz Dual Core)
EVGA GTX 295 FTW Edition, running 306.97 drivers
4GB DDR2 @ 667MHz
Corsair 600W PSU
320GB 7200RPM HDD
Fresh Install of Windows 7 HP, (scanned with AVG and Malwarebytes, twice)

I have the above hooked up via DVI-HDMI to my 54 inch Panasonic TV, with Optical for sound. I appreciate any help I can get. I won't really be able to mess with the settings because I am at work... so I will try all recommendations once I get a chance.

I should add, I was testing all this on multiplayer, on a server that had 27/42 players. Caspian Border Conquest, mostly between Bravo and Delta Flags in the trees hiding lol.

 

[Monkey_Butler]

I'd suggest monitoring your CPU usage first because BF3 hits very hard on dual core CPUs.
It sounds like you've got a CPU bottleneck if your fps haven't changed between settings.

 

[Mustangdjp]

Yea, that blows considering my motherboard is damn near maxed out at this point... The other "better" CPUs for my motherboard are all Dual Cores as well, I can use up to a 6400+, but those run for like $80 on ebay, so its not worth is to go up to 3.2GHz, and my MB is not compatible with and Black Edition CPUs either.

If it is in fact the CPU at 100% Usage, then I will have to wait to scrounge up some cash for a newer set-up, and stick to BF3 on the xbox

 

[bwrlane]

GTX 295 should cope with BF3. It's still a fairly capable card even by today's standards (given that it's a dual GPU card). You won't be able to run it on the highest settings but medium should be ok.

However, I think the problem in your system is really the CPU. If you lower the graphics settings and get no improvement, that's a classic sign of a CPU bottleneck.

BF3 is one of the games that can really do with a fast quad - maybe consider upgrading that to a phenom II x4. I don't really know much about AMD CPUs and their sockets, but I believe I'm right in saying that a quad phenom II should be a drop in replacement. They are very capable CPUs and for all practical purposes, just as good as the more lauded i5/i7 offerings from Intel.

 

[Mustangdjp]

The Phenom II X4 is an AM3 CPU, they also made some Phenom AM2+ CPUs, My Motherboard is an AM2, which isn't compatible with 2+ or 3. I have spent more time than I would care to admit researching this motherboard, because I don't want to spend any cash on a new set-up. All my cash is going into my car at the moment. Literally the best CPU I can get is the AMD Athlon X2 6400+ Windsor AM2 3.2GHz.

It's an HP, with a ASUS A8M2N-LA Motherboard. HP BIOS limits my max CPU, which is why I can't get the AM2 Black Edition Windsor or Brisbane CPUs. I don't know why I didn't put 2+2 together and think of a CPU bottleneck... I feel kinda dumb not thinking of it. Sems that is the problem, without even getting back on the computer to check... I still will though, just in case

 

[Mustangdjp]

Best answer selected by MustangDJP.

 

[Mustangdjp]

Follow Up question.... I know I said I didn't want to OC, but if I were to get a new CPU cooler (~$20-$30), I saw in the Nvidia Tools I can OC the CPU as well. I think I saw I can go up to 3.4GHz, possible 3.6GHz, but obviously I don't know how stable this would be. What is the best way to test the stability of a CPU only OC?

I should add there is no OC features in the HP BIOS. So software OC is the only way I can go I think.

Also, how much fdo you think the above would help me in BF3? I could just bite the bullet and turn this thing into a cheap HTPC or something...

 

[cgner]

Aside from a rather weak dual core CPU, does GTX 295 support DirectX 10/11? BF 3 has no directX 9.

 

[Mustangdjp]

Aside from a rather weak dual core CPU, does GTX 295 support DirectX 10/11? BF 3 has no directX 9.

The GTX 295 I own (linked above) is DirectX 10... So that would not be the issue.

 

[cgner]

ah I see. Then yea, its the CPU Try getting a cheap Phenom 2 quad... or better yet get a new mobo and CPU like ivy bridge i5. Keep the other components till its time to upgrade

 

[Mustangdjp]

ah I see. Then yea, its the CPU Try getting a cheap Phenom 2 quad... or better yet get a new mobo and CPU like ivy bridge i5. Keep the other components till its time to upgrade

Would love to, but alas, I have a car I want to put money into, so I guess it'll have to wait